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The Leon Hess Cancer Center

Close ‘Family Ties’ Held at Leon Hess Multidisciplinary Cancer Center

Naming Monmouth Medical Center’s multidisciplinary cancer center
in honor of the late philanthropist Leon Hess has special significance
for his “extended” prominent New Jersey family, as well as
for Monmouth Medical Center.

Before the founder of energy giant Amerada Hess Corp. died in 1999, he
established the New York-based Hess Foundation, which today is led by
Mrs. Leon (Norma) Hess, the sister-in-law of the late Jacqueline M. Wilentz
— after whom Monmouth’s breast center is named. Jacqueline,
who died of breast cancer, was the wife of Mrs. Hess’ brother —
Robert Wilentz, former chief justice of the New Jersey Supreme Court,
who also lost his life to cancer.

In addition, the late Lester A. Barnett, M.D., former chief of surgery
at Monmouth, was a childhood friend of Leon Hess — a relationship
they retained through adulthood as the Hesses maintained a summer residence
in Long Branch.

Throughout his life, Dr. Barnett played an instrumental role in supporting
fund-raising efforts for Monmouth, particularly for the expansion of cancer
services. He died in April 2002, shortly after he helped make possible
the extraordinary $3 million gift from the Hess Foundation.

Patient Stories

"I was ready to fight hard. Being a mom with a four year old daughter just made me push harder. I didn't stop living. I didn't stop being a mom."